20 minute workouts

According to my textbook, the number one excuse people give for not working out is lack of time (I know I've said it more than once to myself and others). When we have several things on our plate, working out is the first to go when in fact it should be first on our lists. There are a whole host of benefits to exercising, and one that is usually not discussed as much is stress relief. Exercise releases endorphins that help with relaxation and elevate your mood. There's a reason why people rarely say, "I wish I wouldn't have gone to the gym." I know that every time I do some sort of physical activity, whether it's going for a walk or playing outside with my daughter, I always feel better and am better equipped to handle the rest of my day.

If you are truly struggling with finding the time, there are a couple of things you can do to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to time spent exercising. My two suggestions are cardio intervals and circuit training. Both are the among the top calorie burners and both can be done from anywhere. In fact, there are some great workout DVDs with 20 minute workouts that you can do in the living room with little equipment. One of my favorites is Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. There are 3 20-minute workouts at progressively difficult levels, and they are very effective. You're done before you know it and you will feel and see the effects if you can squeeze it in 4 or 5 days a week. If you're not into working out via DVD, pick up an issue of Fitness or Shape magazine.  Every month they have plenty of moves you can do at home and combine for a quick 20 minute session.

If it's nice out and you don't feel like messing with weights, go outside and rotate fast walking with short bursts of sprints. Almost anyone can do this for 20 minutes and it burns 1.5 times more calories than jogging at a constant pace because you are hitting your max heart rate and keeping it high even as you recover (the walking). Cardio intervals also give you a really good afterburn, meaning even after you're done you will continue to burn calories at a higher rate than normal. Even 20 minutes of this will make a difference if done regularly. You'll find yourself able to sprint longer and faster and in no time, you'll build up endurance for any phsyical activity you choose to do.